Jardín botánico de la Universidad de Caldas, Botanical garden at University of Caldas in Manizales, Colombia.
The Botanical Garden of the University of Caldas is a research facility located at 2160 meters elevation in the Andes mountains, covering about 10 hectares of land. The garden houses extensive collections of native mountain forest species and medicinal plants arranged throughout the grounds.
The garden was founded in 1960 and grew into an internationally recognized botanical research center known by its herbarium code MANI. Since its establishment, the institution has focused on preserving and studying regional plant life.
The garden displays trees that define the Caldas region, including the Lafoensia speciosa native to Manizales and the wax palm that represent the area's plant identity. Visitors encounter species rooted in the region's history and people's connection to their natural surroundings.
The grounds are accessible on weekdays from 8 to 17 hours and on weekends from 9 to 17 hours, allowing visitors to explore all sections of the site. Since the garden sits at mountain elevation, a jacket is advisable, and pathways may vary in condition depending on weather.
The institution focuses on three main research areas: ethnobotany, protection of endangered plant species, and preservation of strategic forest areas in the Caldas region. This specialized work sets it apart from typical display gardens and makes it an active research center.
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